A Community’s Gratitude: A Woman’s Crocheted Blankets for Newborns
May 20, 2026
A heartwarming gesture has unfolded in Ilkley, England, where a woman has crocheted her 100th baby blanket, a heartfelt gift for the maternity unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Eliz Sandalls / Credit: NHS
Eliz Sandalls, the creator of these cherished “wellbeing blankets,” is particularly inspiring as she is registered blind. Her journey includes an operation in 2023 at the same hospital that saved the remaining vision in her left eye, enabling her to continue her beloved hobby.
“While my vision is still limited, it allows me to continue with my crocheting and I am forever grateful to the BRI and surgeon, Helen Devonport, for saving some of my sight,” Eliz shared with the NHS.
Her ongoing contributions were recognized by midwives Sophie Wainman and Katie Hurley, who visited Eliz at Abbeydale Residential Care Home with a gift hamper, expressing appreciation for her continuous support.
“Every time we get a donation of crocheted blankets from Eliz, we are astonished at the craftsmanship,” noted Sophie. “The mums on our maternity wards are absolutely delighted to receive the blankets as they brighten the babies’ cots, as well as our hospital wards and environment. They bring such a personal touch and we are forever grateful to Eliz for her donations.”
Originally from Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, Eliz relocated to Ilkley in 2021 to be near her daughter after her husband’s passing. Crocheting now provides her both joy and purpose.
“Crocheting gives me something to do as I can’t see to read books and talking books tend to send me to sleep,” she said humorously.
Eliz Sandalls / Credit: NHS
Each blanket, taking about three days to craft, measures roughly two feet square. Support from Abbeydale Residential Care Home helps cover some wool costs, with Eliz personally purchasing the rest. Her blankets are carefully wrapped before being entrusted to the hospital.
For Eliz, these blankets are more than just handmade items. “I get so much satisfaction knowing the blankets are going to good homes,” she expressed. “They are comfort blankets for little people because babies are not babies for long.”
Without grandchildren of her own, the project brings Eliz immense happiness. She remains resolute in her mission to continue her work despite her visual challenges, stating, “I really do believe if you don’t use it, you lose it. I intend to carry on crocheting the wellbeing blankets for a long time to come. It’s so lovely to give something back to the hospital and to the babies.”
